Clawing our way to 7-9 is a hopeful sign, considering where we've been. Just glad to see some fight in this team. Not really worried about the outcome yet, but it's nice to have hope.
Even if Illinois were to beat MSU, Rutgers, and win the first round Big Ten Tourney game...I still feel like it wouldn't be enough to get into the NCAA Tourney. They need to do more damage in the Big Ten Tourney to get in.
Even if Illinois were to beat MSU, Rutgers, and win the first round Big Ten Tourney game...I still feel like it wouldn't be enough to get into the NCAA Tourney. They need to do more damage in the Big Ten Tourney to get in.
Even if Illinois were to beat MSU, Rutgers, and win the first round Big Ten Tourney game...I still feel like it wouldn't be enough to get into the NCAA Tourney. They need to do more damage in the Big Ten Tourney to get in.
I'm not sure I agree. It depends how the other multitude of Bubble teams do.
BYU win looking better after they beat Gonzaga. We don't have any losses outside the top 100. Road record looking better.
"IF" that scenario plays out, we'll have a reason to turn in the NCAA selection show.
I'm not sure I agree. It depends how the other multitude of Bubble teams do.
BYU win looking better after they beat Gonzaga. We don't have any losses outside the top 100. Road record looking better.
"IF" that scenario plays out, we'll have a reason to turn in the NCAA selection show.
here's something to keep in mind:
One of the linchpins of Illinois' case for the tournament is that they have four top-50 wins. Well, if NW keeps losing, that number drops because they are presently #50.
EDIT: jrichisamazing beat me to this comment.
On a side note, it feels good that the conversation is here rather than the coaching carousel
Illinois is a bubble team.
Kansas State is a bubble team.
Let's have Kansas State vs. Illinois in the first four. Who's with me?!?!
Even if Illinois were to beat MSU, Rutgers, and win the first round Big Ten Tourney game...I still feel like it wouldn't be enough to get into the NCAA Tourney. They need to do more damage in the Big Ten Tourney to get in.
Honestly, we'd beat Kansas State by 20 right now with the way KSU is playing. I think people are a bit more optimistic than I am right now with the state of the bubble though. Usually the bubble ends up around the "Last 4 byes" this time of year due to bid thieves. If we aren't there in the projections this week, I'm pretty sure we're going to be on the outside looking in unfortunately.
Every time one of these teams loses, the bubble shrinks:
Gonzaga / St. Mary's
Middle Tennessee State (RPI 33)
UT Arlington (RPI 35)
Illinois State / Wichita State (they may both make it, but probably one)
UNC Wilmington (RPI 39)
Nevada (RPI 42)
Monmouth/Vermont probably won't make it in as at-large teams, although they are good
Every time one of these teams loses, another spot is taken away. It's not common for a larger conference to have a surprise conference tournament winner, but it can happen as well. If 3-4 of the above teams lose, the last 4 in become the first four out, which is why I think teams that aren't on the "Last Four Byes" are screwed this year. Here's hoping I guess.
I'm not sure I follow here. Gonzaga and St Mary's are locks.
MTSU, UTA, UNCW and Nevada are in one bid leagues. If they don't win their conference tournaments, they are headed to the NIT. Will not get at large bids.
The bid stealing teams would be someone like Iowa winning the Big Ten.
There really aren't many mid/low majors that will be a threat, I think you may have named them all - Zags, St Marys, WSU and ISU.
If BYU wins the WCC, they'd steal a bid. The others would be considered on the bubble if they lost in their conference finals. It's the same thing as every year on whether a 25-27 win team deserves a spot over a 20 win team in a major conference. ESPN has a good breakdown of bubble teams on their bubble watch. All of the above are on there under "work left to do". For comparison sake, Illinois didn't even make the list last week.